Cybersecurity Professionals Turning to Crime Amidst Poor Working Conditions
The pharmaceutical industry is grappling with a new threat: counterfeit medications flooding the market, driven by criminal organisations. Meanwhile, the cybersecurity sector faces an alarming trend: professionals turning to cybercrime due to poor working conditions and low salaries.
Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec, has urged the industry to address these issues, warning that the high-stress environment and inadequate compensation are driving skilled professionals to moonlight as cybercriminals. A study by Gartner supports this, predicting that 25% of security leaders will leave the industry by 2025 due to work-related stress.
A former police officer and covert operative analysed dark web job adverts from June to December 2023, uncovering cybersecurity professionals offering their services for illicit purposes. These professionals often claimed to work for a 'global software agency' or needed a 'second job', suggesting they were moonlighting. The study identified three types of professionals advertising their services on underground sites: experienced IT and cybersecurity professionals, new starters, and professionals from other industries. Professional hacking groups are even advertising for young talent, offering on-the-job training in areas like OSINT and social media hacking.
The industry is at risk of losing up to 10% of its workforce due to persistent skills shortages if working conditions and salaries do not improve. CIISec has warned that the current situation is pushing security professionals towards considering cybercrime.
The pharmaceutical sector's battle against counterfeit medications is compounded by the cybersecurity industry's struggle to retain talent due to poor working conditions and low salaries. Urgent action is needed to address these issues and prevent further loss of skilled professionals to cybercrime.
